International publisher Chambers & Partners has been ranking the best law firms and lawyers since 1990, and now cover 185 jurisdictions throughout the world. Chambers ranks lawyers and law firms on several factors and considerations.

Today Chambers & Partners published its global ranking of law firms Chambers Global for 2017, also covering Suriname.

According to Chambers & Partners the market-leading Surinamese law firm is Lim A Po Law Firm. This firm has the Band 1-status and is said to be "one of Suriname's most distinguished and well-established law firms, frequently involved in the market's most high-profile and significant matters. It remains a first port of call for many international clients, particularly in relation to transactional work. The firm offers a broad range of services, but is especially distinguished in the banking sphere, with Erste Group Bank, Israel Discount Bank and Republic Bank all featuring on its impressive client list. The firm's lawyers are also adept at handling instructions in the mining, oil and gas and aviation arenas."

Ranked firms

In alphfabetical order within each band, these are the ranked firms in the category of General Business Law: Suriname:

Band 1

Lim A Po Law Firm

Band 2

Essed & Sohansingh Advocaten

Band 3

Advocatenkantoor Kraag

Law Firm Hooplot

Band 2 is formed by Essed & Sohansingh Advocaten

About Essed & Sohansingh Advocaten Chambers says "This full-service firm has a strong corporate offering combined with formidable capabilities in litigation. The six-person team is well positioned to handle instructions from international clients, with notable recent highlights seeing it act on behalf of major financial institutions. It is also regularly called upon to assist domestic companies with labour and maritime issues. Notable clients include key players in the mining sector."

Band 3 consists of Advocatenkantoor Kraag and Law Firm Hooplot (last year Band 2)

Advocatenkantoor Kraag: "This well-established firm is best known for its dispute resolution practice, acting on a range of civil and criminal matters. It also advises its diverse client base on a wide array of corporate and commercial matters. "

Law Firm Hooplot: "This well-known, compact firm has a long-standing presence in Suriname. Market commentators particularly highlight the strength of its contentious practice, although the team is also experienced at handling transactional matters, as well as assisting its clients with general commercial operational matters. "

See below for a full overview of recommended individuals, in alphabetical order within each band:

Band 1

Hugo Essed (Essed & Sohansingh Advocaten)

Hans Lim A Po (Lim A Po Law Firm)

Marja Vos (Lim A Po Law Firm)

Band 2

Edward Naarendorp (Coster Advocaten)

Rani Sohansingh (Essed & Sohansingh Advocaten)

Band 3

Alwin Baarh (Law Firm A R Baarh)

Dennis Chocolaad (Law Firm D F Chocolaad)

Dwight Kraag (Advocatenkantoor Kraag)

Senior Statesmen:

Edmundus Hooplot (Law Firm Hooplot)

John Kraag (Advocatenkantoor Kraag)

A 'Senior Statesman' is a lawyer who no longer works hands-on with the same intensity but who, by virtue of close links with major clients, remains pivotal to the firm’s success.

All reviews on recommended individuals:

Hugo Essed (Essed & Sohansingh Advocaten) is "highly respected in the Surinamese market, with one source in particular highlighting the commerciality of his advice. He has a broad corporate/commercial practice, with significant experience acting for financial institutions on banking and finance mandates."

Edmundus Hooplot (Law Firm Hooplot) is said to be "one of the best in litigation matters." He is vastly experienced in commercial disputes, and interviewees say: "His work is excellent."

Hans Lim A Po (Lim A Po Law Firm) is "widely recognised as "a very good lawyer" and one of the leading figures in the market. Clients appreciate his "excellent work" and the clarity with which he is able to communicate complex legal concepts. His practice covers banking and finance, securities and corporate/M&A, and he has a strong track record assisting with various legal issues arising from major mining and infrastructure projects."

Marja Vos's reputation (Lim A Po Law Firm) "continues to grow, with peers and clients agreeing that she "clearly has a prominent place in this market." She has a broad practice that covers administrative law, commercial contracts, labour and employment and dispute resolution."

Rani Sohansingh (Essed & Sohansingh Advocaten) is acknowledged for her "deep expertise in labour law. She frequently assists mining clients and is particularly recognised for her handling of litigation mandates."

Alwin Baarh (Law Firm A R Baarh) "maintains a solid reputation in the market. Sources highlight his many years' experience in company and labour law, also noting his handling of a number of high-profile litigation cases."

Dennis Chocolaad (Law Firm D F Chocolaad) is described as a "very dedicated and good lawyer," and note his growing prominence in the jurisdiction. His experience covers corporate, intellectual property and shipping matters, among other areas. He also assists clients with labour and employment issues."

Founding partner Edmundus Hooplot "remains one of the most respected and experienced lawyers in this jurisdiction. His practice covers both contentious and non-contentious work."

John Kraag (Managing partner of Advocatenkantoor Kraag) is "renowned as a skilled litigator with extensive experience in the domestic market. He continues to oversee the work of the firm and is cited as a knowledgeable authority on Surinamese law."

A special listing for "Expertise based abroad" is for law firm VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne.

This Curaçao-headquartered firm has a growing Suriname desk and is regularly instructed on banking, finance and corporate mandates." The team provides ongoing guidance to Republic Bank on matters of Surinamese law, and recently assisted with its USD45.3 million acquisition of Suriname's RBC Royal Bank. One client described the firm as "very knowledgeable," on Surinamese matters, adding: "Their turnaround time is very good." Randolph van Eps is a key contact."

Background

Chamber's General Business Law table lists firms that can advise clients on all aspects of their commercial activity in this jurisdiction. Work includes commercial contracts, corporate transactions, real estate matters and business litigation. The firms included in the table have been recommended by in-house counsel and private practice lawyers – often based overseas – who have worked alongside them.

Law firms and individual lawyers are ranked in bands from 1-6, with 1 being the best.

WILLEMSTAD - On the 22nd of April 1944, during World War II, the Consulaire Corps Curaçao was born. The 75th anniversary of the Corps was celebrated with a reception on 23 May 2019. The Governor of Curaçao, the Prime Minister, members of the Corps and many other dignitaries were present.